HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!!
A man woke up early in order to have his morning devotion (prayer) in the Lord's house (Church). He got dressed set on his way to the Lord's house (church).
On his way to the church, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself off, and headed home. At home, he changed his clothes, and was, again, on his way to the Lord's house. On his way to the church, he fell again and at the same spot!
He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once again, changed his clothes and was on his way to the Lord's house (church). On his way to the house of God (church), he met a man holding a lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied 'I saw you fall twice on your way to the house of God, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way.
The first man thanked him profusely and the two were on their way to the house of God. Once at the house of God, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and pray with him. The second man refused. The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same. The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray. The man replied, 'I am Satan'.
The man was shocked at this reply. Satan went on to explain, 'I saw you on your way to the house of God and it was I who made you fall.
When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the house of God, God forgave all of your sins. I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to Church. Because of that, God forgave all the sins of the people of your household. I was afraid if I made you fall one more time, then God will forgive the sins of the people of your village, so I made sure that you reached the house of God safely. '
So do not let Satan benefit from his actions. Do not put off the good you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good. For your righteousness can save your family and nation at large.
Do this and see the victory of the Lord. If forwarding this message will bother you, or take too much time from you, then don't do it, but you will not get the reward of it, which is great.
"... those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name
Ruth's 5 Love Languages
Quality Time - 9
Words / Gift / Service - 7
Touch - 0
Conclusion: My preferences are all quite balanced, although I prefer all other to touch
Words / Gift / Service - 7
Touch - 0
Conclusion: My preferences are all quite balanced, although I prefer all other to touch
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Do you know that...
Jesus is the first person to proclaim the ethic of reciprocity positively:
'So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.' Matthew 7:12
Before Him, it was always:
'Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him.' - Pittacus
'Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.' - Thales
'Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others.' - Isocrates
'Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself' - Confucius
We do, and not avoid, as God's children.
'So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.' Matthew 7:12
Before Him, it was always:
'Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him.' - Pittacus
'Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.' - Thales
'Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others.' - Isocrates
'Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself' - Confucius
We do, and not avoid, as God's children.
a traveler's reflections
I'm writing this in a 3rd person's view.
sometimes Joy wonders if she had made the right career choice.
Hearing that phoebe (her dog) is not feeling well, she wishes she is home.
Realising that her mom is aging, she knows she should be home.
Concerned with what her sisters are going through, she needs to go home.
plus missing out all the happenings in her loved ones' lives, she gotta be home.
Joy had a chat with a dear friend who has relocated to HK recently. People admire this friend for her courage and yearn for similar opportunity. However, they don't see the other side of the picture as well; her fears and worries, her loneliness, and even pending issues with her husband. Joy shared this friend's sentiments. Yet she feels she's luckier, for she has God and no husband.
Honestly, we, as beings, are self centered. We like to fufill our needs first. The wife fufills her need to have a driven career so she relocates while the husband wants to fufill his need to have a domesticated wife so he objects. And that leads to arguments. Joy fufills her need for _____ so she travels. And you fufill your need to ______ so you _______.
Currently, there's a tussle. God's command is to serve the nations, so here Joy is, trying to serve. Then again, what about her loved ones in sg? she pondered. Although she thanked God that He's been protecting and blessing all of you, she also wonders if a physical presence will make a difference. For if all of you are in Delhi now, Joy will be a very happy girl.
I guess this tussle comes when priority changes. God is #1 (His rank does drop at times) and family has climbed up steadily to #2. Priority plays a major role in making decisions. Traveling for more than 2 weeks becomes a bane. Then frustration invades her peace when she can't have her fair share of pie which she thinks she deserves.
Nonethless, the answer to the starting line, she doesn't feel she had made a wrong choice, because she prayed, He answered and she moved. What had slipped her mind was telling Him max 24 months, of course seems like He has better plans after 13 months.
So ... ...
Conclusion #1: When anyone makes a major decision, consider one's priorities and how they might change after 2yrs.
Disclaimer: That doesn't mean that praying & following His plan is not crucial. IMO, this is still the most critical part of a decision.
Conclusion #2: Grass is greener on the other side but when you get to the other side, you'll realise that the grass is sprayed with green paint (Joy read this somewhere in www.crosswalk.com)
Conclusion #3: Joy is prepared to settle down, and be less of a traveler.
sometimes Joy wonders if she had made the right career choice.
Hearing that phoebe (her dog) is not feeling well, she wishes she is home.
Realising that her mom is aging, she knows she should be home.
Concerned with what her sisters are going through, she needs to go home.
plus missing out all the happenings in her loved ones' lives, she gotta be home.
Joy had a chat with a dear friend who has relocated to HK recently. People admire this friend for her courage and yearn for similar opportunity. However, they don't see the other side of the picture as well; her fears and worries, her loneliness, and even pending issues with her husband. Joy shared this friend's sentiments. Yet she feels she's luckier, for she has God and no husband.
Honestly, we, as beings, are self centered. We like to fufill our needs first. The wife fufills her need to have a driven career so she relocates while the husband wants to fufill his need to have a domesticated wife so he objects. And that leads to arguments. Joy fufills her need for _____ so she travels. And you fufill your need to ______ so you _______.
Currently, there's a tussle. God's command is to serve the nations, so here Joy is, trying to serve. Then again, what about her loved ones in sg? she pondered. Although she thanked God that He's been protecting and blessing all of you, she also wonders if a physical presence will make a difference. For if all of you are in Delhi now, Joy will be a very happy girl.
I guess this tussle comes when priority changes. God is #1 (His rank does drop at times) and family has climbed up steadily to #2. Priority plays a major role in making decisions. Traveling for more than 2 weeks becomes a bane. Then frustration invades her peace when she can't have her fair share of pie which she thinks she deserves.
Nonethless, the answer to the starting line, she doesn't feel she had made a wrong choice, because she prayed, He answered and she moved. What had slipped her mind was telling Him max 24 months, of course seems like He has better plans after 13 months.
So ... ...
Conclusion #1: When anyone makes a major decision, consider one's priorities and how they might change after 2yrs.
Disclaimer: That doesn't mean that praying & following His plan is not crucial. IMO, this is still the most critical part of a decision.
Conclusion #2: Grass is greener on the other side but when you get to the other side, you'll realise that the grass is sprayed with green paint (Joy read this somewhere in www.crosswalk.com)
Conclusion #3: Joy is prepared to settle down, and be less of a traveler.
National Rally 2008
I love this comment left by someone named moshedyan in www.mrbrown.com, over his national rally post.
I love to copulate
trust me on this
as much as my upstairs widow
but to bear a child
with bottomless expense$?
are you drunk today?
my prince
the prime minister?
when my future kid is born
the 1st question he is going to ask me is
why did he hear
so many beeps in the car
from kandang kebrau hospital to yishun
cared to explain?
http://www.mrbrown.com/blog/2008/08/summary-of-th-1.html
I love to copulate
trust me on this
as much as my upstairs widow
but to bear a child
with bottomless expense$?
are you drunk today?
my prince
the prime minister?
when my future kid is born
the 1st question he is going to ask me is
why did he hear
so many beeps in the car
from kandang kebrau hospital to yishun
cared to explain?
http://www.mrbrown.com/blog/2008/08/summary-of-th-1.html
Monday, August 18, 2008
personality test
since everyone's taking tests, here's another one for you to try.
http://youniverse.com/statement/module/PersonalityModule/New_Personality_module
Quite interesting.
Mood: Sofisticat
You're an adventurous soul with a taste for the good life. You have an eye for style and a creative spirit. You probably like to be at the centre of the action. When it comes to art, you're definitely unconventional. You like to think differently, always from another perspective. You have a gd sense of humor. You like how music helps you unwind and switch off. Music transports you far away from the everyday grind.
Fun: Thriller
Family time is top of the pops for you. You want to savor every precious moments. Life doesn't get any better. For kicks, you like to indulge in your great passions. You are happy to live highs and lows; You are fiercely loyal and passionate.You like to be part of the big picture. When it comes to holidays, you reckon they should always be indulgent - a very special treat and a chance to recharge your batteries in luxurious surroundings, as well as spending quality time with your family and friends. And what turns you off? It might sound cruel but half man half wolf? That's gross!
Habits: Back to Basics
Simple pleasures make your day. You love relaxing, unwinding and living a pampered life. When it comes to drinking, nothng beats a night out with your mates. After all, you work hard and deserve to unwind. Sometimes you just need a drink to relax at the end of the day. As for the home, you have a very cool and contemporary taste. You like your surroundings to be simple and functional, cozy and approachable.
Social: Fun
You don't like to take things too seriously. For you friendship is all about enjoying yourself and seeing the funny side of life. When you think of freedom - you think of knowledge. It's the most empowering feeling.
http://youniverse.com/statement/module/PersonalityModule/New_Personality_module
Quite interesting.
Mood: Sofisticat
You're an adventurous soul with a taste for the good life. You have an eye for style and a creative spirit. You probably like to be at the centre of the action. When it comes to art, you're definitely unconventional. You like to think differently, always from another perspective. You have a gd sense of humor. You like how music helps you unwind and switch off. Music transports you far away from the everyday grind.
Fun: Thriller
Family time is top of the pops for you. You want to savor every precious moments. Life doesn't get any better. For kicks, you like to indulge in your great passions. You are happy to live highs and lows; You are fiercely loyal and passionate.You like to be part of the big picture. When it comes to holidays, you reckon they should always be indulgent - a very special treat and a chance to recharge your batteries in luxurious surroundings, as well as spending quality time with your family and friends. And what turns you off? It might sound cruel but half man half wolf? That's gross!
Habits: Back to Basics
Simple pleasures make your day. You love relaxing, unwinding and living a pampered life. When it comes to drinking, nothng beats a night out with your mates. After all, you work hard and deserve to unwind. Sometimes you just need a drink to relax at the end of the day. As for the home, you have a very cool and contemporary taste. You like your surroundings to be simple and functional, cozy and approachable.
Social: Fun
You don't like to take things too seriously. For you friendship is all about enjoying yourself and seeing the funny side of life. When you think of freedom - you think of knowledge. It's the most empowering feeling.
joy foo's love language results
prompted by our dear Chloe to do it.
I think my results are as predictable as india's weather. ha!
Coming home in 4 days' time! Miss you, ladies!
Picture will post soon but please tune in to fb instead.
ta.
| Score | Love Language |
| 11 | Words of Affirmation |
| 10 | Quality Time |
| 2 | Receiving of Gifts |
| 6 | Acts of Service |
| 1 | Physical Touch |
I think my results are as predictable as india's weather. ha!
Coming home in 4 days' time! Miss you, ladies!
Picture will post soon but please tune in to fb instead.
ta.
Pony`s love language and SHOUT -OUTs!
thank you dear Joyce for posting the online version of the love lang questionaire! ;)
Here is my result:
Score Love Language
8 Words of Affirmation
9 Quality Time
4 Receiving of Gifts
4 Acts of Service
5 Physical Touch
Now you know!
Thank you dear sisters, for a wonderful time while i am here!
Having fun with Timmy`s toys ;)
Here is my result:
Score Love Language
8 Words of Affirmation
9 Quality Time
4 Receiving of Gifts
4 Acts of Service
5 Physical Touch
Now you know!
Thank you dear sisters, for a wonderful time while i am here!
Having fun with Timmy`s toys ;)
Thank you for the yummy cakes Alice-cat! Ruth showing off her petite frame by squeezing into the float-thingy.
Thank you Joyce for pretty Bangkok tee (luckily can squeeze in)!
Getting ready for cartoon time!
*excited little kids*
That`s Claire`s friend from US, Katie (Cathy?) on the extreme left and my lovely sisters... and me in a weird, unflattering japanese maternity-lookalike dress. Lazy to photoshop la, anyway focus is the people, as i like to say! :)
Love you all! Sorry Alice-cat not in the photo cos you disappear with Tim for food... we should take photo soon ah! Someone pls take photo at next dim-sum lunch and post here ah *wink wink*
ps: See you soon Joy-Foo! Please add own picture of u in curry-land!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
5 love languages
Guess what? I think its like such a coincidence. I was having worship at my office this morning (my office have a few hours of worship every alt thursday) and Pastor Kang Ying, who came to visit today, let us all do the questionnaire! She comes once in a while to join in our worship.
So my refreshed love language is as follows:
1) Quality Time
2) Acts of Service and Words of affirmation (Tie)
3) Gifts
4) Touch (Only 1 Point!)
The second to post is by the hamster.. heehee..
So my refreshed love language is as follows:
1) Quality Time
2) Acts of Service and Words of affirmation (Tie)
3) Gifts
4) Touch (Only 1 Point!)
The second to post is by the hamster.. heehee..
5 Languages of Love
Dearest Princesses of the Heavenly King~
Remember the 5 love languages quiz that some of us had gone through @ cell / network meeting / network camp? This is the web version of it. For the benefit of those who hadn't done it, as well as for those who may want to ask your significant others (*ahem* Prancinpony, do i deserve a word of thanks here? :P) to do it.
Let's do a consolidation here as well as to our respective love languages so as to know how to love one another better. ;) Lemme, the froggie start the ball rollin' here..
Froggie Shee: Words of Affirmation & Gifts/Quality time (gifts & quality time same 2nd highest points)
Remember the 5 love languages quiz that some of us had gone through @ cell / network meeting / network camp? This is the web version of it. For the benefit of those who hadn't done it, as well as for those who may want to ask your significant others (*ahem* Prancinpony, do i deserve a word of thanks here? :P) to do it.
Let's do a consolidation here as well as to our respective love languages so as to know how to love one another better. ;) Lemme, the froggie start the ball rollin' here..
Froggie Shee: Words of Affirmation & Gifts/Quality time (gifts & quality time same 2nd highest points)
You are the Lord~
Dearest all, last night's cell for the one full of God's love as well as a walking-down-memory-lane one for Chloe, Ruth & Alice, and a bewildering one for me. How so? Other than the edifying words, power prayers & e Ponchinello (not sure if i got the spelling right) cartoon, i get to watch all your past "portfolios" of singing, dancing, acting & puppeting! Here's an affirmation: This cell is SO talented la!
Anyway, Ruth found YOUR MTV on Youtube once again.. so here's it.. ;)
Anyway, Ruth found YOUR MTV on Youtube once again.. so here's it.. ;)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Birthday dinneR!
Dearest all,
For the benefit of those who couldn't turn up for the birthday dinner for Iivi & Junee, here's the "Hua Xun" of the event. :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=32512&l=26030&id=597331452
For the benefit of those who couldn't turn up for the birthday dinner for Iivi & Junee, here's the "Hua Xun" of the event. :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=32512&l=26030&id=597331452
Monday, July 21, 2008
greetings from India
Hello Ladies,
Greetings from India. Today marks the start of a month in New Delhi, India and also many more months to come.
All glory to God. I reached here safe and sound, through all turbulences and bad traffic.
As I embark on this journey, I would be updating this blog regularly. Hopefully.
Missing you,
Joy
Greetings from India. Today marks the start of a month in New Delhi, India and also many more months to come.
All glory to God. I reached here safe and sound, through all turbulences and bad traffic.
As I embark on this journey, I would be updating this blog regularly. Hopefully.
Missing you,
Joy
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sermon snippets from Shinjuku Shalom Church Camp (May 2008)
Session 1: Integrity
- Integrity is who you are when no one is watching.
- In Gen 25, we see Esau who has no integrity in the sense that he chose to satisfy his body over the will /inheritance of God.
- The size of a church has nothing to do with passion for God. People, at many times, tend to trade their inheritance for the things of this world.
- Talent can bring you to the top but character can keep you at the top. -> I do my best, even when no one is watching, for God.
- Lack of character can cost you God`s plan for your life. You, yes you, are the only person, who can mess up your destiny.
- Character and integrity gave Joseph his destiny. -> The choices you make can save this nation!
- Psalm 101 is a blueprint of how we should live our lives. Psalm 101:2 says "...I will walk in my house with blameless heart." Make the decision to be a Christian everyday and the challenge is when you are at home.
- Psalm 101:3 reminds us to set no vile things before your eyes and make a decision to not let evil into your mind and guard your hearts.
Session 2: 4 things that will help us build character
1) Prayer and fasting
- If Jesus had to pray, He who knew no sins and son of God, how much more do we need to pray?
- Prayer is important as we see that things were revealed to Jesus when He prayed.
- Spend time with God, start with 5 minutes daily.
- Put the kingdom of God first.
- Fasting is so difficult because our flesh hates to be disciplined! If Jesus fasted for 40 days, perhaps we should consider fasting?!
2) Reading the word of God
- Let the Bible speak to you.
- The word of God renews our minds and reprograms our thinking.
- Get the word inside by reading the passage many times.
- Change isn`t change until you change.
3) Submit to your pastor and spiritual authority
- Submit to his authority for God has placed this pastor in your life. Heb 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."
- Submit= listening/doing even if you don`t agree with it
- Pastor = pipeline from God to you
- God uses your pastor to speak words that will minister to you.
4) Go to church
- We develop character in church because it forces you to get along with everyone.
- Make church a priority in your life.
Session 3: Character-building for the church
- Check your motive when building your church: numbers vs hearts for God
- When the leaders fall, the organisation fall.
- John the Baptist, was known as a friend of the bridegroom. He was teaching the bride to fall more in love with the bridegroom. Therefore the message should make people fall more in love with Jesus, not the preacher. John 3:27-30 27 tells us
"To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less."
- Are you building your kingdom? Or are you building God`s kingdom? After you are done serving the bride, is she talking about you or the bridegroom?
- Building a `Holy Spirit- sensitive` church not a `Seeker-sensitive` church.
- What makes a church different from a good concert or a good talkshow is that we have Jesus in the house!
- John`s mission was complete when people forgot who he was when Jesus appeared. ->We proclaim Jesus, not ourselves!
- Become spiritual `eunuch` for Christ by pleasing God, not ourselves. Allow God to `cut off` the pride , the selfish ambition, the vanity.
- Bring people to the Lord. When people forget who we are and serve God, we can say `our joy is complete`. (John 3:29-30)
- Instead of turning to books or conferences, turn to God and ask, "God, what do you want?" Seek an identity for the church.
- When we discover our identity in God, we will be blessed and we can act with integrity.
- Allow God to `cut away` daily the selfish ambitions we have in us.
- Coming before God with humility is the key to cutting away the pride. Continue to seek God`s wisdom daily.
- Don`t be afraid to let God have His way in whatever you are doing. Let God move when He wants.
- People will come back if they sense God`s presence. The music, the message, all these are secondary. These people may not know what they are seeking but they are searching for something definitely.
Session 4: The importance of Sabbath
- God gave Moses the 10 commandments and He also commanded Moses to rest! Exodus 31 states that "Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people."
- God rested after 6 days when He was pleased with His creation. He didn`t need to rest yet He set an example for His children as a parent, on how important it is to rest.
- Giving 1/10 to God -> You get more when you tithe. Similarly, you can get more things done in 6 days than doing a lot of things in a week.
- Finding that place of rest: If you have problem sleeping, you probably have problem trusting God. Know that God loves you and that our Heavenly Father will take care of everything else in our lives.
- Sleep like a child with no worries or concerns because God is the `Father` who is worrying about all these instead. Sleeping is a way of trusting God, just that a child sleeps soundly while his parents fret about the bills and taxes etc. `Be still and know that I am God.`(Psalm 46:10)
2 things that Sabbath can help us to do:
1) It lets us hear God`s voice
- God is always speaking to us but we don`t hear Him because there is too much noise around us. God is that still, small voice hidden in the midst of it.
2) It refreshes us
- Sabbath is not an escape from our job but it is something that refreshes us.
- Resting and getting refreshed is part of being `productive` as opposed to 頑張りすぎる (overworked ie: unproductive)
- Rediscover the joy of doing nothing -> playfulness, restfulness, like when you were a kid
- Don`t trade the best years of your life for your job. God commands us to rest. It is a blessing from God to be able to rest.
- We rest in the middle of the storm, not after the storm. Thank God for that! Take 1 day off to honor God in the middle of the storm.
- What can you do on your day off? The Pharisees made a legislative thing out of it but do what is unnecessary in your life. (aka no monetary benefit maybe)
- When people are hurt or tired, they are more prone to sin. Character building makes us stronger and hence less likely to sin.
- Maybe when God said "Be child-like", He meant for us to `play` more.
- Create for 6 days of the week and take 1 day to enjoy your creation. When you rest in God, He will restore your soul.
-----------------------The End-------------------------------------------------------------
The sessions were conducted by Pastor Evan from Church on a Sure Foundation from Hawaii. Check out the homepage here
http://www.surefoundation.tv/hilo/subpages/about/index.shtml
Cool that his message touched on the subject of Sabbath, since 2008 is the Year of Sabbath for FCBC. Many of my Japanese churchmates were new to this topic.
But the main take home for me, this sentence was literally flashing in neon lights to me
"Don`t be afraid to let God have His way in whatever you are doing."
Wow. I was blown away. It was like God was shouting to me through a loudspeaker. Scary eh?
But very exciting. I am still learning. This path of surrendering. :)
Blessed day to you, fellow warrior!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Things I learnt from my Wednesday`s YouthWave at Shinjuku Shalom Church
Hi guys,
watched a video on a sermon by this American pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu (a church that has some affiliation with my japanese church) during my youth group on Wednesday so I thought I will just share some of the stuff with you all.
For those of you who don`t know, our church has a weekly youth meeting every Wednesday at my church office, where the youth pastor will cook dinner and we will eat together then have a short English lesson (conducted by one of the church member, Kumi, one of my good friend. She is an assistant professor at a university in Japan). Then we proceed to do a short worship and then some bible study or watch a sermon video. We are currently covering the Purpose-driven Life for the English lesson and sometimes we do G12 materials like SOL1/2 etc.
Anyway, we watched a short video on Global Day of Prayer last week and there were some shots of the Singaporean pastors washing one anothers` feet and everyone praying in the stadium. I remembered some of you telling me about it. So cool!
http://www.gdop.sg/2008/ 11 May 2008 is the Global DAy of Prayer this year so try to make it if you can! :) It is very powerful when we pray corporately!
Okie dokie, here are the pointers I picked up from Pastor Wayne`s sermon:
1) David`s ability to explain enigmas
In the Bible, why was David able to explain many of the baffling enigmas? Interpreting dreams for the King?
The answer is that David is a man after God`s heart. He had a close bond with God and was very in touch with the Holy Spirit. That was why David was blessed with wisdom!
Pastor Wayne goes on to explain that he is not against application Bible but many times, we are so tempted to just turn to the commentary on a certain passage in the Bible when we are stumped.
It is wiser however, to read the normal Bible and spend a moment to meditate upon His word and hear from the Holy Spirit. In this way, you get a personal, relevant, revelation from God instead of some third person`s comment or a scholar`s point of view. The Holy Spirit is alive and lives in us so why settle for second best? :)
The same goes for doing a devotion. Read the Bible verse and take some time to reflect on it and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal something about the verse to you. In this age of speedy technology, we are often tempted to take the easy way out and just jump right into something more convenient but God is waiting for you, to take a listen to His whisper. Just like how God whispered into David`s ears when David seeked God earnestly everyday of his life.
Want wisdom? Slow down and wait on God. :)
2) Solving difficult problems
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Anger shuts down your creative power and saps your creativity! Remember, every miracle begins with a problem. God often tests us with the same problem so that we can minister to others through our own experiences (2 Cor 1:3-7).
Pastor Wayne goes on to share about pharisees living in our midst. Pharisees are those who like to go around criticising others but fail to observe their own behaviors! There will always be such pharisees in our churches but we can have wisdom when dealing with them.
First, don`t become a pharisee! That is someone who is more interested in the institution than the individual. Luke 6:41-42 says
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Wow. I was convicted. I guess at some point of time, I was displaying some form of pharisee-like behavoir. Better go and confess and ask God for help.
Pastor Wayne emphasized on the importance of not letting the presence of pharisees compromise your ministry! The first step is to recognise who these pharisees are (usually those who like to point out other people`s faults).
Q:How do we handle pharisees?
A: Listen to them but do not allow them to run the program.
There might be some truth to what the person is saying and you need to allow the public to also be given a chance to hear the other side of the story. `Be quick to listen` was what the Bible has told us but don`t let it go either! We may be tempted to just brush the story aside or just give in to the person.
Sometimes, we have to say `No` even after hearing the story. Make a GRACIOUS decision and speak with the authority of Jesus. Discern with the Holy Spirit and have confidence and authority to deal with such people graciously.
I was reminded of Pastor Wayne`s sermon during cell group on Sunday when we were reading Titus 2.
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
15... Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
`Scary!` was the general reaction but we know that God disciplines us because He loves us!
Hence this leads us back to the first point of having lots of wisdom from God to be able to discipline firmly but with grace.
Phew! This is one long post.. do leave some comments on your thoughts!
On a side note, I just prayed to God that since this is my last year in Japan, I hope to use this time meaningfully. So I said `Use me, take me, do anything, so that I will accomplish something for your glory before I return to Singapore.`
Sure enough, I was given an opportunity to minister to my Japanese female classmate. Not easy, with a different cultural background and language, too plays a part, but please keep me in prayers that God will equip me with strength, wisdom, discernment and lots of joy and protection.
Somehow God seems to be opening up my eyes to things happening in Japan.. very scary, very overwhelming but I am excited cos God`s gonna be by my side.
Knowing that all of you are laboring hard for God as well, over in Singapore, and that I am in your prayers brings comfort to me. I pray that all of us, at the end of the day, will look back at a life well-led, without regrets, for God.
It can only get better, girls! Praise God for each and every one of you! Hallelujah!
Love you all~
watched a video on a sermon by this American pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu (a church that has some affiliation with my japanese church) during my youth group on Wednesday so I thought I will just share some of the stuff with you all.
For those of you who don`t know, our church has a weekly youth meeting every Wednesday at my church office, where the youth pastor will cook dinner and we will eat together then have a short English lesson (conducted by one of the church member, Kumi, one of my good friend. She is an assistant professor at a university in Japan). Then we proceed to do a short worship and then some bible study or watch a sermon video. We are currently covering the Purpose-driven Life for the English lesson and sometimes we do G12 materials like SOL1/2 etc.
Anyway, we watched a short video on Global Day of Prayer last week and there were some shots of the Singaporean pastors washing one anothers` feet and everyone praying in the stadium. I remembered some of you telling me about it. So cool!
http://www.gdop.sg/2008/ 11 May 2008 is the Global DAy of Prayer this year so try to make it if you can! :) It is very powerful when we pray corporately!
Okie dokie, here are the pointers I picked up from Pastor Wayne`s sermon:
1) David`s ability to explain enigmas
In the Bible, why was David able to explain many of the baffling enigmas? Interpreting dreams for the King?
The answer is that David is a man after God`s heart. He had a close bond with God and was very in touch with the Holy Spirit. That was why David was blessed with wisdom!
Pastor Wayne goes on to explain that he is not against application Bible but many times, we are so tempted to just turn to the commentary on a certain passage in the Bible when we are stumped.
It is wiser however, to read the normal Bible and spend a moment to meditate upon His word and hear from the Holy Spirit. In this way, you get a personal, relevant, revelation from God instead of some third person`s comment or a scholar`s point of view. The Holy Spirit is alive and lives in us so why settle for second best? :)
The same goes for doing a devotion. Read the Bible verse and take some time to reflect on it and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal something about the verse to you. In this age of speedy technology, we are often tempted to take the easy way out and just jump right into something more convenient but God is waiting for you, to take a listen to His whisper. Just like how God whispered into David`s ears when David seeked God earnestly everyday of his life.
Want wisdom? Slow down and wait on God. :)
2) Solving difficult problems
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Anger shuts down your creative power and saps your creativity! Remember, every miracle begins with a problem. God often tests us with the same problem so that we can minister to others through our own experiences (2 Cor 1:3-7).
Pastor Wayne goes on to share about pharisees living in our midst. Pharisees are those who like to go around criticising others but fail to observe their own behaviors! There will always be such pharisees in our churches but we can have wisdom when dealing with them.
First, don`t become a pharisee! That is someone who is more interested in the institution than the individual. Luke 6:41-42 says
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Wow. I was convicted. I guess at some point of time, I was displaying some form of pharisee-like behavoir. Better go and confess and ask God for help.
Pastor Wayne emphasized on the importance of not letting the presence of pharisees compromise your ministry! The first step is to recognise who these pharisees are (usually those who like to point out other people`s faults).
Q:How do we handle pharisees?
A: Listen to them but do not allow them to run the program.
There might be some truth to what the person is saying and you need to allow the public to also be given a chance to hear the other side of the story. `Be quick to listen` was what the Bible has told us but don`t let it go either! We may be tempted to just brush the story aside or just give in to the person.
Sometimes, we have to say `No` even after hearing the story. Make a GRACIOUS decision and speak with the authority of Jesus. Discern with the Holy Spirit and have confidence and authority to deal with such people graciously.
I was reminded of Pastor Wayne`s sermon during cell group on Sunday when we were reading Titus 2.
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
15... Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
`Scary!` was the general reaction but we know that God disciplines us because He loves us!
Hence this leads us back to the first point of having lots of wisdom from God to be able to discipline firmly but with grace.
Phew! This is one long post.. do leave some comments on your thoughts!
On a side note, I just prayed to God that since this is my last year in Japan, I hope to use this time meaningfully. So I said `Use me, take me, do anything, so that I will accomplish something for your glory before I return to Singapore.`
Sure enough, I was given an opportunity to minister to my Japanese female classmate. Not easy, with a different cultural background and language, too plays a part, but please keep me in prayers that God will equip me with strength, wisdom, discernment and lots of joy and protection.
Somehow God seems to be opening up my eyes to things happening in Japan.. very scary, very overwhelming but I am excited cos God`s gonna be by my side.
Knowing that all of you are laboring hard for God as well, over in Singapore, and that I am in your prayers brings comfort to me. I pray that all of us, at the end of the day, will look back at a life well-led, without regrets, for God.
It can only get better, girls! Praise God for each and every one of you! Hallelujah!
Love you all~
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Lead me to calvary
This was the song that we sang during the Week of Sanctification. Pastor Khong shared that this was a song that really touched him when he walked through the lowest point of his life. I hope it will minister to you as much as it did to me!
(am searching for the mp3, anyone knows where to get it? imeem and youtube have only weird versions.)
Lead Me To Calvary
King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.
Refrain
Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.
Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.
Refrain
Let me like Mary, through the gloom,
Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb,
Lead me to Calvary.
Refrain
May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share,
Thou hast borne all for me.
Refrain
Words by Jennie E. Hussey, 1921
(am searching for the mp3, anyone knows where to get it? imeem and youtube have only weird versions.)
Lead Me To Calvary
King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.
Refrain
Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.
Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.
Refrain
Let me like Mary, through the gloom,
Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb,
Lead me to Calvary.
Refrain
May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share,
Thou hast borne all for me.
Refrain
Words by Jennie E. Hussey, 1921
Empower me
Nobody knows, how weak I am
Better than You
Nobody sees, all of my needs
Better than You
And nobody has, the power to change me
To what I was born to be
Jesus be strong, in my weakness
Empower me
Chorus:
Empower me
Like a rushing river flowing to the sea
Lord, send your Holy Spirit
Flowing out through me
Till I'm living as Your child
Victorious and free
Send the power of Your love
Empower me
Nobody's eyes, see through my soul
Better than Yours
Nobody's love, can make me whole
No love but Yours
And nobody has, the power to lift me
To reach for eternity
Jesus break through all my defenses
Empower me
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Faith and Vision!
Praying with faith means what?
The common saying goes... it is not by sight but by faith.
How about a faith that has vision? Vision what God is going to do? Or your prayers coming true...I guess that takes a great amount of faith.
King David when he prays and intercede (ref Psalm 60) he used the words "I will"
Anyone of us here finds it difficult to break free from something or prayers not answered? Are you praying ...like uttering... non stop? Maybe you should just STOP praying... Really do a STOP before you pray with the faith that is in you.
S-Sing to the Lord (Worship, King David he sing to the Lord before he present anything.
T-Think (about His Love and your walk with Him... Think how much the LORD have given to you over the past years/months/days...)
O-Offer (Offer yourself to the Lord... you are a sacrifice. Offer our heart, let
our heart please Him)
P-Praise ( Praise God for your creating you, praise Him over all situations and for HIS love for you)
After all these... just be quiet for a while and ... then pray, your faith in the Lord will be renewed.
F-Forward Looking(See what is going to happen after the victory)
A-Assurance (rest and be secure, know that God loves you)
I-Intergrate with God (Just do your part and allow HIM to do the rest)
T-Trust God (not yourself otherwise you can not vision and look forward of your success. Imagine how big God's eyes can be, when his hand put Moses into the cleft of the rock when he passed by Exodus 33:21-23)
H-Hope (Be hopeful always)
Take time to STOP before the Lord and practice to pray and visioned.
God Loves you...Remember... He send His son Jesus. And because Jesus lives... we know HE holds the future.
*The above sharing is a revelation to me* All glory be to our sovereign Lord
The common saying goes... it is not by sight but by faith.
How about a faith that has vision? Vision what God is going to do? Or your prayers coming true...I guess that takes a great amount of faith.
King David when he prays and intercede (ref Psalm 60) he used the words "I will"
Anyone of us here finds it difficult to break free from something or prayers not answered? Are you praying ...like uttering... non stop? Maybe you should just STOP praying... Really do a STOP before you pray with the faith that is in you.
S-Sing to the Lord (Worship, King David he sing to the Lord before he present anything.
T-Think (about His Love and your walk with Him... Think how much the LORD have given to you over the past years/months/days...)
O-Offer (Offer yourself to the Lord... you are a sacrifice. Offer our heart, let
our heart please Him)
P-Praise ( Praise God for your creating you, praise Him over all situations and for HIS love for you)
After all these... just be quiet for a while and ... then pray, your faith in the Lord will be renewed.
F-Forward Looking(See what is going to happen after the victory)
A-Assurance (rest and be secure, know that God loves you)
I-Intergrate with God (Just do your part and allow HIM to do the rest)
T-Trust God (not yourself otherwise you can not vision and look forward of your success. Imagine how big God's eyes can be, when his hand put Moses into the cleft of the rock when he passed by Exodus 33:21-23)
H-Hope (Be hopeful always)
Take time to STOP before the Lord and practice to pray and visioned.
God Loves you...Remember... He send His son Jesus. And because Jesus lives... we know HE holds the future.
*The above sharing is a revelation to me* All glory be to our sovereign Lord
Learning to Yield
For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!" —2 Corinthians 4:17
I read a story about a radio exchange that took place some time ago between a U.S. Navy ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland.
The Canadians warned the Americans, "Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."
The Americans responded, "Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision."
The Canadians said, "Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."
The Americans: "This is the captain of a U.S. Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course."
"No. I say again, you divert your course."
"This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that is 15 degrees north or countermeasures will be undertaken to assure the safety of our ship."
After brief moment of silence, the Canadians responded: "This is a lighthouse. It is your call."
Sometimes we don't like what God wants us to do, and we want Him to change course when, in reality, it is us who ought to change course.We need to understand that God's plans are better than ours. Having said that, it does not mean that they are always the easiest or even the most appealing at the moment. There are times when we are going through life that we might not like the plan of God. But God's plans are always better for us in the long run.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
http://www.harvest.org/
I read a story about a radio exchange that took place some time ago between a U.S. Navy ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland.
The Canadians warned the Americans, "Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."
The Americans responded, "Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision."
The Canadians said, "Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."
The Americans: "This is the captain of a U.S. Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course."
"No. I say again, you divert your course."
"This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that is 15 degrees north or countermeasures will be undertaken to assure the safety of our ship."
After brief moment of silence, the Canadians responded: "This is a lighthouse. It is your call."
Sometimes we don't like what God wants us to do, and we want Him to change course when, in reality, it is us who ought to change course.We need to understand that God's plans are better than ours. Having said that, it does not mean that they are always the easiest or even the most appealing at the moment. There are times when we are going through life that we might not like the plan of God. But God's plans are always better for us in the long run.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
http://www.harvest.org/
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Father's love letter
My Child ~
You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad, Almighty God
You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad, Almighty God
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Answer - Shane & Shane
Impressive guitar intro. Perfect harmonising. Stirring lyrics. What can I say? Listen
I've tried more of me and i've come up dry
trading You for things
things that go away
my happiness is found in less
of me and more of You
my happiness is found in less
of me and more of You
i have found the answer is
to love You and be loved by You alone
alright! alright! alright!
You crucify me and the world to me
and i will only boast in You
alright! alright! alright!
i'm so satisfied
at the thought of You
growing up in me
covering everything
my happiness is found in less
of me and more of You
my happiness is found in less
of me and more of You
You are, You are (loved by me)
You are, You are (You're loved by me)
You are, You are (You're loved by me)
You are, You are, You are
I've tried more of me and i've come up dry
trading You for things
things that go away
my happiness is found in less
of me and more of You
my happiness is found in less
of me and more of You
i have found the answer is
to love You and be loved by You alone
alright! alright! alright!
You crucify me and the world to me
and i will only boast in You
alright! alright! alright!
i'm so satisfied
at the thought of You
growing up in me
covering everything
my happiness is found in less
of me and more of You
my happiness is found in less
of me and more of You
You are, You are (loved by me)
You are, You are (You're loved by me)
You are, You are (You're loved by me)
You are, You are, You are
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Time to hear
Time to Hear
by Os Hillman
He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him. - John 14:21b
We live in a day of 12-step programs for this, four points to success for that, and all forms of programmed means of becoming successful. Have you ever wondered how you can guarantee a greater revelation of Jesus in your life? Jesus tells us how this can be done. It is all tied to obedience. In John, He tells us the following: "Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him" (Jn. 14:21). The key here is in the last three words. He will show Himself to us because of our loving Him through our obedience. The more obedient we become, the more revelation of His presence we will feel in our life. Jeremiah tells us, "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jer. 33:3).
Many Christians wonder why they cannot hear or sense God's presence in their life. It is because they do not seek Him with a whole heart, and they are not obedient to the things He has asked. God does not show us the next move until we are obedient to the first thing He has spoken to us. It is a progressive process. He entrusts the small things to us first, then moves us to the larger. I was like many today who are so focused on seeking the activity of God rather than seeking God Himself. Hebrews tells us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. In the Old Testament we are told, "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deut. 4:29).
I realized if I was going to hear God's voice, I had to make time to seek Him and hear Him. I had to spend focused time alone reading, studying, and seeking His face only. Jesus set the model for this when He often left the crowds to be alone and seek His heavenly Father. I also had to tune my "radio" to His frequency. Static comes into that frequency when I am disobedient. My level of seeking determines the power of my "radio" to reach Him. The more I seek Him, the more I hear Him. Seek the Lord today so that you may be empowered by His presence.
by Os Hillman
He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him. - John 14:21b
We live in a day of 12-step programs for this, four points to success for that, and all forms of programmed means of becoming successful. Have you ever wondered how you can guarantee a greater revelation of Jesus in your life? Jesus tells us how this can be done. It is all tied to obedience. In John, He tells us the following: "Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him" (Jn. 14:21). The key here is in the last three words. He will show Himself to us because of our loving Him through our obedience. The more obedient we become, the more revelation of His presence we will feel in our life. Jeremiah tells us, "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jer. 33:3).
Many Christians wonder why they cannot hear or sense God's presence in their life. It is because they do not seek Him with a whole heart, and they are not obedient to the things He has asked. God does not show us the next move until we are obedient to the first thing He has spoken to us. It is a progressive process. He entrusts the small things to us first, then moves us to the larger. I was like many today who are so focused on seeking the activity of God rather than seeking God Himself. Hebrews tells us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. In the Old Testament we are told, "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deut. 4:29).
I realized if I was going to hear God's voice, I had to make time to seek Him and hear Him. I had to spend focused time alone reading, studying, and seeking His face only. Jesus set the model for this when He often left the crowds to be alone and seek His heavenly Father. I also had to tune my "radio" to His frequency. Static comes into that frequency when I am disobedient. My level of seeking determines the power of my "radio" to reach Him. The more I seek Him, the more I hear Him. Seek the Lord today so that you may be empowered by His presence.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Lessons from Genesis 25-26
Was studying the scriptures from Genesis 25-26 with my cell group at Shalom Church last sunday. As with all bible-in-1-year schedule, we are currently on the book of Genesis. Being back in sushi-land only a few days, my Japanese was rusty and I wasn`t really concentrating on the sharing. After all, we all know the story of Abraham and Sarah and how they got a kid because they trusted in God right?
Wrong.
God is gracious. He opened my mind with new revelations as shared by my cell mates.
1) Turn to God. First thing.
Gen 25:22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, "Why is this happening to me?" So she went to inquire of the LORD.
Whenever we feel pain or confused, we tend to run to humans first. I know i am guilty of this. But this scripture reminds us that we ought to turn to God, for He is the one who can explain the mystery to us! Godly counsel is good as well, but we should always ask God first, before turning to our leaders or church friends for advice.
2) Cling on to your birthright: You are a child of God, armed with authority! Remember that!
Gen 25:31 Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright."
32 "Look, I am about to die," Esau said. "What good is the birthright to me?"
33 But Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.
I have read this passage many times and I always thought that Esau was foolish to give up his birthright so easily for something as trivial as food!
But during the sharing, we were asked this question: `Are we like Esau? Do we give up our birthright (children of God), choosing instead to indulge in worldly desires?`
It struck me at that moment that there were times when I acted like Esau, eager for instant gratification (food in his case) and choosing to abandon his birthright that was so precious.
It seems much easier to point at Esau and laugh at him when actually there are many opportunities when we ourselves are tested.
But God left us with His amazing grace. The forgiveness whenever we come back to the cross and repent. So, remember! All is not lost because our hope and strength is in God whose mercies never fail! Amen!
3) The Abrahamic promise
Gen 26:3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws."
God kept repeating His promise to Abraham in Genesis, which is such a great encouragment to me. This Abrahamic promise is also FCBC`s vision: as we seek Him and do His will, He is faithful and will release His blessings on us and let us multiply over the nations on earth. Amen to this!
Wrong.
God is gracious. He opened my mind with new revelations as shared by my cell mates.
1) Turn to God. First thing.
Gen 25:22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, "Why is this happening to me?" So she went to inquire of the LORD.
Whenever we feel pain or confused, we tend to run to humans first. I know i am guilty of this. But this scripture reminds us that we ought to turn to God, for He is the one who can explain the mystery to us! Godly counsel is good as well, but we should always ask God first, before turning to our leaders or church friends for advice.
2) Cling on to your birthright: You are a child of God, armed with authority! Remember that!
Gen 25:31 Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright."
32 "Look, I am about to die," Esau said. "What good is the birthright to me?"
33 But Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.
I have read this passage many times and I always thought that Esau was foolish to give up his birthright so easily for something as trivial as food!
But during the sharing, we were asked this question: `Are we like Esau? Do we give up our birthright (children of God), choosing instead to indulge in worldly desires?`
It struck me at that moment that there were times when I acted like Esau, eager for instant gratification (food in his case) and choosing to abandon his birthright that was so precious.
It seems much easier to point at Esau and laugh at him when actually there are many opportunities when we ourselves are tested.
But God left us with His amazing grace. The forgiveness whenever we come back to the cross and repent. So, remember! All is not lost because our hope and strength is in God whose mercies never fail! Amen!
3) The Abrahamic promise
Gen 26:3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws."
God kept repeating His promise to Abraham in Genesis, which is such a great encouragment to me. This Abrahamic promise is also FCBC`s vision: as we seek Him and do His will, He is faithful and will release His blessings on us and let us multiply over the nations on earth. Amen to this!
Conforming or Transforming?
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.Romans 12:2, NAS
“Character is always lost when a high ideal is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.” --Charles Spurgeon
Reading down a top magazine’s list of the 100 best English-language novels published since 1923 made my pulse quicken and my heart sink. As an avid and admittedly often obnoxiously-distracted-in-public reader (I always have a book on me in case the opportunity to read arises – like when I’m waiting for coffee, caught up in traffic, or standing in a line at the department of motor vehicles, to name a few examples), I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
I nearly had a panic attack, not because of any distaste or disagreement over the books chosen, but because of the number of books listed that I haven’t read yet. Quickly, I made my way to both the local library and Amazon.com websites and planned to start building my reserve list and filling my online shopping cart. As I moved my mouse to the search box so I could enter my selection, a little something I like to call “common sense” came over me. Scolding myself, I whispered with clenched teeth, “Meghan, get a hold of yourself!”
After a few deep breaths, there was a point of rational thinking when I realized that I didn’t even know who wrote the list and that more than half of the books selected would never have been personal choices simply because of my dislike for the authors or the types of literature. I know and read what I like. Occasionally, I’ll try something new or especially challenging just for fun, but mostly I’m loyal to a small circle of favorite authors.
Isn’t easy to get caught up in what everybody is doing? Polls, magazines, television advertisements and movies are constantly telling us how to think, what to wear, who to vote for, what to watch, and in this case, what to read.
As Christians, we need to be especially careful with messages dictating what is “in.” This list of books, for example, had several titles I shouldn’t read simply because I am a Christ follower. It’s not about whether I can “handle” the content, it’s about living a life that reflects and pleases Christ. When I choose to read a book, I’m making a decision to commit hours and hours engrossed in that story. As we choose what to wear, listen to, watch, or read, we need to be remember what Scripture says about how we spend our time and what we spend our time focusing on.
“…Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
A friend shared with me that a literature teacher at her Christian college was constantly putting down Christian authors and their books, and encouraging the students to read “good” literature instead. Our discussion concluded with a couple of great thoughts. First, just because something is written well, doesn’t make it “good” or appropriate for Christians. In the same way, just because something is written by a Christian, doesn’t mean it makes for a good read. Most importantly, however, how can we justify spending time on books that don’t glorify God when there are countless wholesome and well written books available… written by both Christian and non-Christian authors?In light of eternity, when I face Jesus one day, I don’t think the excuse that I “dwelt” on something that didn’t glorify God was because, “It was an award-winning book or movie,” will fly. Actually, I would be ashamed to say I let popularity or a good story get in the way of my relationship with Him. Basically, when my time on earth is through, I want it to be clear that transforming into the likeness of Christ was more important to me than conforming to the culture
Intersecting Faith & Life: As Christians, we need to remember that everything we have belongs to God… and with that in mind, consider how we are spending His time
by Meghan Kleppinger, Editor, Christianity.com
Courtsey of http://www.crosswalk.com
“Character is always lost when a high ideal is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.” --Charles Spurgeon
Reading down a top magazine’s list of the 100 best English-language novels published since 1923 made my pulse quicken and my heart sink. As an avid and admittedly often obnoxiously-distracted-in-public reader (I always have a book on me in case the opportunity to read arises – like when I’m waiting for coffee, caught up in traffic, or standing in a line at the department of motor vehicles, to name a few examples), I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
I nearly had a panic attack, not because of any distaste or disagreement over the books chosen, but because of the number of books listed that I haven’t read yet. Quickly, I made my way to both the local library and Amazon.com websites and planned to start building my reserve list and filling my online shopping cart. As I moved my mouse to the search box so I could enter my selection, a little something I like to call “common sense” came over me. Scolding myself, I whispered with clenched teeth, “Meghan, get a hold of yourself!”
After a few deep breaths, there was a point of rational thinking when I realized that I didn’t even know who wrote the list and that more than half of the books selected would never have been personal choices simply because of my dislike for the authors or the types of literature. I know and read what I like. Occasionally, I’ll try something new or especially challenging just for fun, but mostly I’m loyal to a small circle of favorite authors.
Isn’t easy to get caught up in what everybody is doing? Polls, magazines, television advertisements and movies are constantly telling us how to think, what to wear, who to vote for, what to watch, and in this case, what to read.
As Christians, we need to be especially careful with messages dictating what is “in.” This list of books, for example, had several titles I shouldn’t read simply because I am a Christ follower. It’s not about whether I can “handle” the content, it’s about living a life that reflects and pleases Christ. When I choose to read a book, I’m making a decision to commit hours and hours engrossed in that story. As we choose what to wear, listen to, watch, or read, we need to be remember what Scripture says about how we spend our time and what we spend our time focusing on.
“…Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
A friend shared with me that a literature teacher at her Christian college was constantly putting down Christian authors and their books, and encouraging the students to read “good” literature instead. Our discussion concluded with a couple of great thoughts. First, just because something is written well, doesn’t make it “good” or appropriate for Christians. In the same way, just because something is written by a Christian, doesn’t mean it makes for a good read. Most importantly, however, how can we justify spending time on books that don’t glorify God when there are countless wholesome and well written books available… written by both Christian and non-Christian authors?In light of eternity, when I face Jesus one day, I don’t think the excuse that I “dwelt” on something that didn’t glorify God was because, “It was an award-winning book or movie,” will fly. Actually, I would be ashamed to say I let popularity or a good story get in the way of my relationship with Him. Basically, when my time on earth is through, I want it to be clear that transforming into the likeness of Christ was more important to me than conforming to the culture
Intersecting Faith & Life: As Christians, we need to remember that everything we have belongs to God… and with that in mind, consider how we are spending His time
by Meghan Kleppinger, Editor, Christianity.com
Courtsey of http://www.crosswalk.com
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Little Blessings
Thanks Joy for posting such a meaningful update on your life in Indi-ah.
(You actually very good at writing and very cheem ok. Don't always say your ang moh no good.)
I was very touched when I read what you had wrote. I read it a few times.
(Also because it's the latest post here la)
Sometimes we just learn to accept people as they are.
Do we, sometimes, take a step back to question why people feel the need to be untruthful about things about their lives? What is it that they are going through that they can't reveal the simplest information about themselves?
I guess even for being able to be truthful, is a God-given gift.
Sometimes I take the little blessings that God had put in my life for granted.
Everyday I see the old and frail in my line of work that makes me thank God that that I am ADL (Activities of Daily Lives) independent - a term we use to assess if the patient can bathe, change clothes, eat, go to the toilet by themselves.
That my own parents and grandma are still quite healthy :)
That I don't have to worry about the next meal on my table
Or worry that I have no clothes or shoes to wear, but rather which one , I want to wear.
That I have a warm home and comfortable bed to return to at night.
& the list goes on man.. not to be so sentimental la but I think I can go on for as long as I want to.
That God had chosen me to be his beloved daughter. That He had given me this priviledge to be able to experience Him and to Share his Love with people around us.
I guess that's the most awesome of it all.
How He loves us with no qualms and no conditions.
I give thanks, mostly, to that.
Love, iivi =)
(You actually very good at writing and very cheem ok. Don't always say your ang moh no good.)
I was very touched when I read what you had wrote. I read it a few times.
(Also because it's the latest post here la)
Sometimes we just learn to accept people as they are.
Do we, sometimes, take a step back to question why people feel the need to be untruthful about things about their lives? What is it that they are going through that they can't reveal the simplest information about themselves?
I guess even for being able to be truthful, is a God-given gift.
Sometimes I take the little blessings that God had put in my life for granted.
Everyday I see the old and frail in my line of work that makes me thank God that that I am ADL (Activities of Daily Lives) independent - a term we use to assess if the patient can bathe, change clothes, eat, go to the toilet by themselves.
That my own parents and grandma are still quite healthy :)
That I don't have to worry about the next meal on my table
Or worry that I have no clothes or shoes to wear, but rather which one , I want to wear.
That I have a warm home and comfortable bed to return to at night.
& the list goes on man.. not to be so sentimental la but I think I can go on for as long as I want to.
That God had chosen me to be his beloved daughter. That He had given me this priviledge to be able to experience Him and to Share his Love with people around us.
I guess that's the most awesome of it all.
How He loves us with no qualms and no conditions.
I give thanks, mostly, to that.
Love, iivi =)
Monday, January 14, 2008
God amazes me all the time.
I had coffee with my ABNN driver just now.
Wonder why I did that despite the fact
that he is an Indian (I'm racist) & I have to discount 50% off everything he says.
that we could only communuicate using single vocab.
that he flew me kite on sat to bring me to see Delhi.
that he told me he has no father, mother, brother, sister & friends last wk. But today he told me tat the guy who picked me up this morning is his brother.
that I had 3 cups of coffee before that.
that I was having a migraine.
This brought me back to Isaiah 58 which I posted in earlier. The least I could do was to offer my friendship and tell him God loves him. I trust a seed has been sown.
Sometimes I wonder why I am in this job when I suck big time at it. However, I looked at it today & realised it's all about 'touching lives'.
No matter what job you are holding, whether you are a teacher, a student, a banker or even a housewife, it doesn't matter. Our main vocation is to spread the Gospel.
& when we focus on this vocation, our daily activities become less a chore, more an enjoyment.
"You have one business on Earth - to save souls." -- John Wesley
I had coffee with my ABNN driver just now.
Wonder why I did that despite the fact
that he is an Indian (I'm racist) & I have to discount 50% off everything he says.
that we could only communuicate using single vocab.
that he flew me kite on sat to bring me to see Delhi.
that he told me he has no father, mother, brother, sister & friends last wk. But today he told me tat the guy who picked me up this morning is his brother.
that I had 3 cups of coffee before that.
that I was having a migraine.
This brought me back to Isaiah 58 which I posted in earlier. The least I could do was to offer my friendship and tell him God loves him. I trust a seed has been sown.
Sometimes I wonder why I am in this job when I suck big time at it. However, I looked at it today & realised it's all about 'touching lives'.
No matter what job you are holding, whether you are a teacher, a student, a banker or even a housewife, it doesn't matter. Our main vocation is to spread the Gospel.
& when we focus on this vocation, our daily activities become less a chore, more an enjoyment.
"You have one business on Earth - to save souls." -- John Wesley
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Karen`s letter
Dear Cynthia:
I’m not sure you will see this letter, but I hope my message of gratefulness finds its way to you. I recently read “My Story” online and your openness about your life and your relationship with Jesus has helped move me through a very difficult time in my life.
Let me try to share a little of my own story. A little more than 26 years ago, the Lord brought into my life the most wonderful, Christian young man. I had been a Christian since age 11 and was quite shy and awkward. Okay, I was the proverbial wallflower. Alan was handsome, intelligent, and loved the Lord with a passion I had never seen in a young man. Eight months after we met, we were married. Everything about my life changed. We built a home of peace and love.
We grew to be so much a part of each other that you couldn’t tell where he began and I ended. We worshipped and served the Lord together. And even though we didn’t have tremendous wealth, everyone marveled at our contentment. The Lord also blessed us with three beautiful children, a daughter and two sons. Our children came to know the Lord as their Savior, each at an early age. Life wasn’t always easy, but we walked through all the joys and sorrows as a threesome: the Lord, Alan, and me.
God used Alan’s passion for the Word to make him a tremendous Sunday school teacher at our local Southern Baptist church, and I worked with children and led the Women’s Ministry. Eventually Alan was ordained as a deacon. No man has ever been more honored, not by having a position of leadership but that the Lord saw him as worthy enough to serve people on a greater level. I never dreamed that I could ever be so happy on this earth.
So what could change all this? Brain cancer. About seven years ago, Alan collapsed on the floor of his office in a grand mal seizure. It was so violent that he almost died right on the spot. Someone called me from the office and put the paramedic on the phone. He would not tell me what was going on—just that Alan was unconscious and had to be taken to the nearest hospital immediately. I called our church, and the secretary (who was a good friend) rushed over, picked me up, and drove me to the hospital. Alan was in a daze and the doctor came in the room with the results of a CAT scan. It showed a huge black shadow in the center of his brain. You would think at that moment I would have fallen apart, but there was so much peace in me. I looked at the doctor and simply said, “We have a problem.” The next few days were a blur of hospital tests, doctors, and a biopsy. Alan changed that day. No one else would know it by talking to him, but I knew. Since then, I have often said that my husband died on November 10, 1997. His body just didn’t know it.
The next four years were such a nightmare. This sweet, loving husband and father grew dark, angry, and violent in private. He was given 80 doses of radiation, but eventually they had to remove most of the right temporal lobe of his brain. Our life at home fell into shambles. I fought so hard to hang on to him. But I had to take him to countless appointments, keep track of up to 25 different medications at a time for him, mother three scared adolescents, go back to college to get a degree to start a career, and work part-time to make up for the loss of income while he was on disability.
The book of Job and I became best of friends. Sometimes it felt like Satan had walked into the throne room of God and the Lord said, “Have you noticed my servants, Alan and Karen?” In the end, we lost virtually everything that mattered. Alan lost his mind, our kids lost their father and their security in God, and I lost the other half of who I was.
Most of our friends faded away, and his mother and brother felt that since it was so painful, it was my responsibility to deal with it all and they refused to help. Many women told me that their husbands walked away because they could not deal with the fact that God would allow something like this to happen to someone who loved Him as much as Alan. I will confess, as he was getting worse, I fell apart. There were many things I did that I’m sorry for now, but I can’t turn back the clock.
By the time our oldest child, Rebecca, graduated from high school in 2001, Alan had been in and out of the psychiatric ward three times and had tried to commit suicide once. One month after her graduation, he had a stroke. It left him as a severe Alzheimer’s patient. He lives in a nursing home now. He doesn’t know us. This has truly broken our children’s hearts and almost destroyed both of our sons.
Alan knows my name, but he is mostly like a small child who only understands that I love him and will take him out for ice cream. There are so many things that I’m not telling you because this letter would become a book. Suffice it to say that God has been there all through this with absolute miracles of reassurance and grace. And God has waited quietly at the very times my anger, pain, and exhaustion got in the way of wanting to listen to Him.
So I’m sure by now you are wondering what this has to do with you. The road to healing for the children and me has been long. Each day life gets a little better. Acceptance has replaced most of the anger. We are all able to smile and laugh again, but I know there is still a ways to go.
One day about two months ago, I was having lunch at my desk at work. I’m now a writer and editor for our local newspaper. I went to the Insight for Living Web site to read the daily devotional. I clicked on something and suddenly my screen went black. When it came up, it was at your testimony, “My Story.” I must confess that when I first started reading it, I thought, “This is Cynthia Swindoll; how difficult could her life possibly be?” Then I read the rest and I asked the Lord for forgiveness for my pre-set attitude. I went home that night and listened to the entire broadcast (both days) and printed out two articles on forgiveness that were also available on the Web. Your lesson on forgiveness lay heavy on my heart. I hadn’t thought about how angry I was with so many people for not being there when I thought I needed them. But even worse, I knew that I too needed forgiveness.
So I took a room at a nearby Holiday Inn Express and had a friend stay with my sons. I printed out your story plus the other lessons on forgiveness. When I arrived, I took a shower, got into my pajamas by 7:00 p.m., and sat up that night until 3:00 a.m. I was armed with my Bible, my journal, a legal pad, and the printouts. After a time of prayer and praise, I dove in. I asked the Lord to show me all of my sins over the last seven years. Much to my dismay, the list filled the page quickly. I then went through and prayed over each sin asking God’s forgiveness. When I finished, I took the piece of paper, folded it over, and printed 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (NIV). I then thanked God for forgiving me of so much, tore the paper up, and threw it into the trash.
Then God gave me Hebrews 6:9, “Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation” (NIV). The next step was to make a list of those people I knew I needed to forgive. I hadn’t realized until that moment how much hurt and anger I harbored against some people, especially my mother-in-law and brother-in-law.
My first thought was to choose not to forgive, because they didn’t deserve it for all they had done to Alan and the children. Then the Lord reminded me of how much He had just forgiven me. That settled it. I journaled each person’s name and my perceived offenses. Then I prayed for God to help me forgive each one. When I finished, God gave me Matthew 7:8 to remind me that “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (NIV). I sought Him, asked for His help, and He opened a wellspring of forgiveness and peace within me.
But the hardest was yet to come. The last list was of those from whom I needed to ask forgiveness. And of course, the hardest ones on my list were my in-laws. God showed me that if I wanted to put these past seven years to rest, I needed to open the doors of others’ hearts by approaching them with humility. No arguments, no excuses, just simple humility. At the end of that prayer, God gave me Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV).
I wasn’t quite as brave as you. I started where I was most secure, with my children. I then worked my way through other relatives and friends, and finally I asked forgiveness of the ones I feared the most. Everyone, in turn, forgave me. Many of them laughed and some were even a little surprised. I won’t say I am any closer to my mother-in-law or brother-in-law, but there is definitely peace between us. And more than anything, there is finally peace between the Lord and me.
Our daughter, Becky, and her husband, Matt, are due to have our first grandchild in June. Our middle son, Ken, is still in college. Both have a strong faith in the Lord, and I believe this time in their lives will be a testimony to God’s grace on this earth. Our youngest child, Dan, is finishing high school in June. He is a wonderful, loving son; but he is my prodigal where the Lord is concerned. One night in a torrent of tears, he told me that he doesn’t believe in God because no loving God would ever let something like this happen to his dad. My heart aches for him, but I have told him that I will always love him and that I am not afraid of his anger and neither is God. I told him that God does not let go of that which He has taken into His care. Dan accepted the Lord when he was five. He knows the Scriptures well. And I know in my heart that God will restore his faith someday, and it will be a great testimony.
I know that whatever the second half of my life brings, it will continue to be wrapped in God’s perfect will. He called Alan and me to this place to fulfill His purpose. I pray to be faithful enough to do just that. The doctors have said that Alan could stay like this for a day, a week, a month, or 10 years. They don’t understand why he is still with us now. The children and I agree that when the Lord calls him home, it might be sad for some, but for us it will also be a celebration knowing he is finally in the arms of the Savior he adored. I have no doubt in my mind that my computer glitch was meant to send me to your story. Hours later, I went to tell a friend where to find your story, and it took me five minutes of clicking to find it. You helped me to take the next step in this journey. For that, I want to say thank you and may God continue to bless your witness and your testimony to His glory.
With sincerest gratitude,
Karen
Read Cynthia`s Swindoll`s story at
http://www.insight.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8519&news_iv_ctrl=1963
I’m not sure you will see this letter, but I hope my message of gratefulness finds its way to you. I recently read “My Story” online and your openness about your life and your relationship with Jesus has helped move me through a very difficult time in my life.
Let me try to share a little of my own story. A little more than 26 years ago, the Lord brought into my life the most wonderful, Christian young man. I had been a Christian since age 11 and was quite shy and awkward. Okay, I was the proverbial wallflower. Alan was handsome, intelligent, and loved the Lord with a passion I had never seen in a young man. Eight months after we met, we were married. Everything about my life changed. We built a home of peace and love.
We grew to be so much a part of each other that you couldn’t tell where he began and I ended. We worshipped and served the Lord together. And even though we didn’t have tremendous wealth, everyone marveled at our contentment. The Lord also blessed us with three beautiful children, a daughter and two sons. Our children came to know the Lord as their Savior, each at an early age. Life wasn’t always easy, but we walked through all the joys and sorrows as a threesome: the Lord, Alan, and me.
God used Alan’s passion for the Word to make him a tremendous Sunday school teacher at our local Southern Baptist church, and I worked with children and led the Women’s Ministry. Eventually Alan was ordained as a deacon. No man has ever been more honored, not by having a position of leadership but that the Lord saw him as worthy enough to serve people on a greater level. I never dreamed that I could ever be so happy on this earth.
So what could change all this? Brain cancer. About seven years ago, Alan collapsed on the floor of his office in a grand mal seizure. It was so violent that he almost died right on the spot. Someone called me from the office and put the paramedic on the phone. He would not tell me what was going on—just that Alan was unconscious and had to be taken to the nearest hospital immediately. I called our church, and the secretary (who was a good friend) rushed over, picked me up, and drove me to the hospital. Alan was in a daze and the doctor came in the room with the results of a CAT scan. It showed a huge black shadow in the center of his brain. You would think at that moment I would have fallen apart, but there was so much peace in me. I looked at the doctor and simply said, “We have a problem.” The next few days were a blur of hospital tests, doctors, and a biopsy. Alan changed that day. No one else would know it by talking to him, but I knew. Since then, I have often said that my husband died on November 10, 1997. His body just didn’t know it.
The next four years were such a nightmare. This sweet, loving husband and father grew dark, angry, and violent in private. He was given 80 doses of radiation, but eventually they had to remove most of the right temporal lobe of his brain. Our life at home fell into shambles. I fought so hard to hang on to him. But I had to take him to countless appointments, keep track of up to 25 different medications at a time for him, mother three scared adolescents, go back to college to get a degree to start a career, and work part-time to make up for the loss of income while he was on disability.
The book of Job and I became best of friends. Sometimes it felt like Satan had walked into the throne room of God and the Lord said, “Have you noticed my servants, Alan and Karen?” In the end, we lost virtually everything that mattered. Alan lost his mind, our kids lost their father and their security in God, and I lost the other half of who I was.
Most of our friends faded away, and his mother and brother felt that since it was so painful, it was my responsibility to deal with it all and they refused to help. Many women told me that their husbands walked away because they could not deal with the fact that God would allow something like this to happen to someone who loved Him as much as Alan. I will confess, as he was getting worse, I fell apart. There were many things I did that I’m sorry for now, but I can’t turn back the clock.
By the time our oldest child, Rebecca, graduated from high school in 2001, Alan had been in and out of the psychiatric ward three times and had tried to commit suicide once. One month after her graduation, he had a stroke. It left him as a severe Alzheimer’s patient. He lives in a nursing home now. He doesn’t know us. This has truly broken our children’s hearts and almost destroyed both of our sons.
Alan knows my name, but he is mostly like a small child who only understands that I love him and will take him out for ice cream. There are so many things that I’m not telling you because this letter would become a book. Suffice it to say that God has been there all through this with absolute miracles of reassurance and grace. And God has waited quietly at the very times my anger, pain, and exhaustion got in the way of wanting to listen to Him.
So I’m sure by now you are wondering what this has to do with you. The road to healing for the children and me has been long. Each day life gets a little better. Acceptance has replaced most of the anger. We are all able to smile and laugh again, but I know there is still a ways to go.
One day about two months ago, I was having lunch at my desk at work. I’m now a writer and editor for our local newspaper. I went to the Insight for Living Web site to read the daily devotional. I clicked on something and suddenly my screen went black. When it came up, it was at your testimony, “My Story.” I must confess that when I first started reading it, I thought, “This is Cynthia Swindoll; how difficult could her life possibly be?” Then I read the rest and I asked the Lord for forgiveness for my pre-set attitude. I went home that night and listened to the entire broadcast (both days) and printed out two articles on forgiveness that were also available on the Web. Your lesson on forgiveness lay heavy on my heart. I hadn’t thought about how angry I was with so many people for not being there when I thought I needed them. But even worse, I knew that I too needed forgiveness.
So I took a room at a nearby Holiday Inn Express and had a friend stay with my sons. I printed out your story plus the other lessons on forgiveness. When I arrived, I took a shower, got into my pajamas by 7:00 p.m., and sat up that night until 3:00 a.m. I was armed with my Bible, my journal, a legal pad, and the printouts. After a time of prayer and praise, I dove in. I asked the Lord to show me all of my sins over the last seven years. Much to my dismay, the list filled the page quickly. I then went through and prayed over each sin asking God’s forgiveness. When I finished, I took the piece of paper, folded it over, and printed 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (NIV). I then thanked God for forgiving me of so much, tore the paper up, and threw it into the trash.
Then God gave me Hebrews 6:9, “Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation” (NIV). The next step was to make a list of those people I knew I needed to forgive. I hadn’t realized until that moment how much hurt and anger I harbored against some people, especially my mother-in-law and brother-in-law.
My first thought was to choose not to forgive, because they didn’t deserve it for all they had done to Alan and the children. Then the Lord reminded me of how much He had just forgiven me. That settled it. I journaled each person’s name and my perceived offenses. Then I prayed for God to help me forgive each one. When I finished, God gave me Matthew 7:8 to remind me that “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (NIV). I sought Him, asked for His help, and He opened a wellspring of forgiveness and peace within me.
But the hardest was yet to come. The last list was of those from whom I needed to ask forgiveness. And of course, the hardest ones on my list were my in-laws. God showed me that if I wanted to put these past seven years to rest, I needed to open the doors of others’ hearts by approaching them with humility. No arguments, no excuses, just simple humility. At the end of that prayer, God gave me Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV).
I wasn’t quite as brave as you. I started where I was most secure, with my children. I then worked my way through other relatives and friends, and finally I asked forgiveness of the ones I feared the most. Everyone, in turn, forgave me. Many of them laughed and some were even a little surprised. I won’t say I am any closer to my mother-in-law or brother-in-law, but there is definitely peace between us. And more than anything, there is finally peace between the Lord and me.
Our daughter, Becky, and her husband, Matt, are due to have our first grandchild in June. Our middle son, Ken, is still in college. Both have a strong faith in the Lord, and I believe this time in their lives will be a testimony to God’s grace on this earth. Our youngest child, Dan, is finishing high school in June. He is a wonderful, loving son; but he is my prodigal where the Lord is concerned. One night in a torrent of tears, he told me that he doesn’t believe in God because no loving God would ever let something like this happen to his dad. My heart aches for him, but I have told him that I will always love him and that I am not afraid of his anger and neither is God. I told him that God does not let go of that which He has taken into His care. Dan accepted the Lord when he was five. He knows the Scriptures well. And I know in my heart that God will restore his faith someday, and it will be a great testimony.
I know that whatever the second half of my life brings, it will continue to be wrapped in God’s perfect will. He called Alan and me to this place to fulfill His purpose. I pray to be faithful enough to do just that. The doctors have said that Alan could stay like this for a day, a week, a month, or 10 years. They don’t understand why he is still with us now. The children and I agree that when the Lord calls him home, it might be sad for some, but for us it will also be a celebration knowing he is finally in the arms of the Savior he adored. I have no doubt in my mind that my computer glitch was meant to send me to your story. Hours later, I went to tell a friend where to find your story, and it took me five minutes of clicking to find it. You helped me to take the next step in this journey. For that, I want to say thank you and may God continue to bless your witness and your testimony to His glory.
With sincerest gratitude,
Karen
Read Cynthia`s Swindoll`s story at
http://www.insight.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8519&news_iv_ctrl=1963
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Submit to God, Resist the Devil
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:5-11 (NKJV)
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:5-11 (NKJV)
Friday, January 11, 2008
Halo!
Halo! Finally the least tech saavy person is on board.. hehe.. I saw Joy's email to my gmail account okay. So having a separate account for you guys works.
Anyway, Thanks Chloe for starting our blogging adventures again heehee..
Today me feeling a bit diarhea-ish.. haiz.. pray that will feel better soon.
See you guys tonight at TC!
Anyway, Thanks Chloe for starting our blogging adventures again heehee..
Today me feeling a bit diarhea-ish.. haiz.. pray that will feel better soon.
See you guys tonight at TC!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Power Prayer
Hey gals!
Did you try out the power prayer that Chloe shared with us the other time?
It's great! Give it a try if you haven't. You'll notice a difference. :)
Did you try out the power prayer that Chloe shared with us the other time?
It's great! Give it a try if you haven't. You'll notice a difference. :)
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
cabin crew: (in indian accent) Excuse me, i need to pull that thing.
me: pardon?
cabin crew: I need to pull that thing. ( pointing to somewhere above my head)
me: oh ok (& moving in so that he can reach for his 'thing')
So he pulled out a TV above me MANUALLY so that passengers behind me can watch the safety video
me (in my head): oooooooooooohhhhhhh!!!!!!!
picture of tv to be posted later.
Note to self 1: Never take automation for granted
Note to self 2: Never comment that SQ girls are ugly. Nor Cathay/Thai Air/Viet Air/Msia Air
me: pardon?
cabin crew: I need to pull that thing. ( pointing to somewhere above my head)
me: oh ok (& moving in so that he can reach for his 'thing')
So he pulled out a TV above me MANUALLY so that passengers behind me can watch the safety video
me (in my head): oooooooooooohhhhhhh!!!!!!!
picture of tv to be posted later.
Note to self 1: Never take automation for granted
Note to self 2: Never comment that SQ girls are ugly. Nor Cathay/Thai Air/Viet Air/Msia Air
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
Heart of love and gratitude ~ John13:34-35
When I was leading the retreat on 1 Jan with all of you. My heart just melts away. Who has given me the strength and ability to lead a cell?
Who has given me the time to organise a retreat?
Who has given me all that I can have?
Who has given me all these friendship with all of you?
I know for sure... My Lord, you trusted me and had faith in me though I struggled with me past. Though I am not holy holy.. or a perfect person yet you chose me to do many things . That is why I have faith in God that all of you are Princess warriors ( the Mulan kind ... haahaa ) and victors!
Just as I reflect the day when I came home. Though tired, I am overwhelmed with God's love as I spend time with all of you. Although this season is quite different for me I guess GOD uses all of you to teach me "I am a minister, priest,worshipper,sister and mentor(mommy) in Christ" Other then fulfilling my role well as a daughter and a wife with my family.
I really thank those who came and also those who are late thank you for waking up and making your efforts =) I know Sarita must have dreamt of me nagging her when she pressed away her alarm heee....! Iivi, its ok... set it as your goals in 2008 that you will be with us ok! Angel ... Thank you coming out of comfort zone.
Thank you Chloe for taking time to share the song and translating what you learn about the Holy Spirit ( its not an easy job but its the first step to interpretor's job haaa)
Mu... You have improved so much in everyway. Thank you for taking the courage to lead worship & prepare.
Junee thank you for helping me with preparing the logs for washing feets.
Joy you did well in helping me with the food and all... and all...communication
ALl of you have make all these possible... your presence encourages me as a leader/ mommy and thank God for trusting me and growing with me. I know I am not the best leader u can have ( cos the best is JESUS) ... I really appreciate all of you.
John 13:34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Who has given me the time to organise a retreat?
Who has given me all that I can have?
Who has given me all these friendship with all of you?
I know for sure... My Lord, you trusted me and had faith in me though I struggled with me past. Though I am not holy holy.. or a perfect person yet you chose me to do many things . That is why I have faith in God that all of you are Princess warriors ( the Mulan kind ... haahaa ) and victors!
Just as I reflect the day when I came home. Though tired, I am overwhelmed with God's love as I spend time with all of you. Although this season is quite different for me I guess GOD uses all of you to teach me "I am a minister, priest,worshipper,sister and mentor(mommy) in Christ" Other then fulfilling my role well as a daughter and a wife with my family.
I really thank those who came and also those who are late thank you for waking up and making your efforts =) I know Sarita must have dreamt of me nagging her when she pressed away her alarm heee....! Iivi, its ok... set it as your goals in 2008 that you will be with us ok! Angel ... Thank you coming out of comfort zone.
Thank you Chloe for taking time to share the song and translating what you learn about the Holy Spirit ( its not an easy job but its the first step to interpretor's job haaa)
Mu... You have improved so much in everyway. Thank you for taking the courage to lead worship & prepare.
Junee thank you for helping me with preparing the logs for washing feets.
Joy you did well in helping me with the food and all... and all...communication
ALl of you have make all these possible... your presence encourages me as a leader/ mommy and thank God for trusting me and growing with me. I know I am not the best leader u can have ( cos the best is JESUS) ... I really appreciate all of you.
John 13:34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
We are the reason - Avalon
As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives
We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live
As the years went by
We learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung crying in the rain
All because of love, all because of love
I've finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him
We would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives
We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live
As the years went by
We learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung crying in the rain
All because of love, all because of love
I've finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him
Re: login
Dear Itsiedotty,
Were you asked to enter a password?
Or have you ever registered this email adress on blogger before?
You shld be able to use the same login name & password.
Isaiah 58:6-8
6 Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
This is the fast our God has chosen.
Have you been feeding the hungry, sheltering the poor & lost or clothing the naked?
What is your focus? Building the kingdom on earth or in heaven?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Thanks for setting up OUR blog. Yay!
Dear Prancing Pony, thanks for taking the time and effort to do this. it's great now that we have our own blog. one question though, after i log out today, how do i re-login without the special invite? hee...
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Cell verse for 2008 - Psalm 84
Psalm 84
For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. [a]
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [b]
7 They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
Selah
9 Look upon our shield, [c] O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.
For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. [a]
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [b]
7 They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
Selah
9 Look upon our shield, [c] O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.
2008.. it can only get better!!
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let`s enjoy more of one another in 2008!
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